The Lovely Side

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I just started binge-watching Outlander and—though I'm just beginning Season 2—I've been sucked in. The sweeping, scenic views of Scotland. That ginger-haired laddie Jamie. And, of course, the gorgeous costumes. Lately, I can't stop wondering how I could get away with dressing like Claire every single day. I would love to go frolicking about in lavish gowns. And working from home, the most judgement I'd probably face would be a side-eye from my cats—and some level of complaint from G, who'd probably get stuck helping me with all that buttoning and corset-lacing.
But realistically, I need a more modern approach.

Someone kindly remind me why I decided to get a new job aaaand plan a wedding all in the same year? Don't get me wrong—I'm super excited to get married and I love my new job, but it's been a busy (and somewhat stressful) last couple of months.
Generously, Gordmans stepped in with a bit of retail therapy. Gordmans has been my go-to for decor, gifts, clothes, and general bargain hunting for years. Now as I enter this next stage of my life, I've partnered with the department store on wedding stuff.
Incorporating rose gold and glitter? Going with a rustic or farmhouse theme? Showing off your love of wine, coffee, beer, or even super heros? There's something for everyone and every wedding at Gordmans. Isn't that gold arrow "love" sign adorable up above?

**This giveaway has ended.**
Clarkson Potter is partnering with me for this giveaway!

Warm weather is finally here in Iowa. This past week, we (and by "we" I mean "my fiance" because he has the green thumbs in our relationship) planted our first garden at our home. I can't wait for those summer days when we'll have fresh tomatoes, onions, asparagus, and more! While we do a fair amount of grilling out during the summer months, I also love putting our fresh produce to use in pastas and other Italian-inspired recipes. Giada's my go-to ever since that fateful college day I made her cacio e pepe with pancetta and arugula.

Happy Friday, lovelies! Today I'm excited to share a little project I took on for my office. Since I started working outside the home, it's no longer my "home office." Now, it's more of a creative getaway for writing, blogging, reading, wedding planning, and wine drinking. A "lady cave" of sorts. :) Since the space was used so heavily for my work-from-home job, I've been making little changes to help change up its vibes. Art is one of the easiest ways to do that. Enter Photowall.

Can you believe we're already half way through February? Between starting a new job, working outside the home, and planning a wedding, 2018 has been a blur so far. And to top it all off, G and I just celebrating my birthday / Valentine's Day / our 5-year anniversary—yes, they all fall within two days of each other. My life has been packed full of commuting, work obligations, birthday parties, meeting with vendors, and (yay!) wedding dress shopping.

When it comes to holiday gifting (or actually, any gifting), gift baskets are my go-to. It's a chance to give something useful, something delicious, and something just plain fun—all at once! But running all over a town or even a mall can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. So I love a one-stop shop where I know I can find something unique and affordable for everyone on my list—from my family and fiance to co-workers in a Secret Santa exchange. Gordmans is always my #1 stop.

This post is sponsored by Minted. I may receive compensation if you click on or make purchases through the affiliate links below. The opinions in this post are 100% my own.

I have exciting news, lovelies—and an excuse for my blogging absence. I've been busy with the beginning stages of wedding planning. :) A couple of weeks ago, G popped the question on the last night of our little road trip vacation—at a gorgeous, Italianate bed and breakfast. It was perfect and he completely caught me by surprise. (Impressive!)
By now, most of our family and friends have heard the good news in-person, on the phone, or via Facebook. But I'd love to send something official to our closest peeps. I remembered that I also need to get moving on Christmas cards so I'm not last-minute this year. And a brilliant idea hit me: Why not officially announce our engagement with our Christmas cards?!

It's that time again, lovelies! It's become tradition for us and friends to go to a local Oktoberfest. Sometimes we dress up. Sometimes we don't. Sometimes we eat in the festhalle. Sometimes we host our own pre-fest feast.

Elaborate silk gowns. Dashing British officers. Rugged American rebels. Marie Antoinette-esque poufs. Rum. Ruffles. Riding in horse-drawn carriages.
My favorite way to travel is by book—and it's as close to time travel as you can get. Each night for the past week, I've been transported to colonial Philadelphia to live among the likes of Peggy Shippen, Benedict Arnold, John Andre, and George Washington.